The Lucknow Pact 1916

1. Introduction

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 marked an important moment in the political history of India. It came at a time when the Muslim League changed its political stance and aimed for greater unity with the Indian National Congress. The entry of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah into the Muslim League brought new energy to the political struggle of the Muslims.

Both the Congress and the Muslim League realized that to achieve self-rule in India, they had to set aside their differences and work together. Leaders from both communities believed that their goals could be met only through mutual cooperation. The Lucknow Pact is remembered as a rare and significant example of Hindu-Muslim unity. It was also the first and last formal agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League.

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2. Jinnah and the Pact

At the time, Jinnah was seen as a strong supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity. He encouraged the Muslim League to adopt a cooperative attitude toward the Congress for the betterment of India. In 1915, under his efforts, both parties held their annual meetings in Bombay. This led to the formation of a committee to find common ground between Hindus and Muslims.

The final agreement was prepared in November 1916 and was officially approved at the respective party sessions held in Lucknow in December 1916. In his speech, Quaid-e-Azam said:
“India’s real progress can only be achieved by a true understanding and harmonious relations between the two great communities.”

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3. Main Features of the Pact

• Separate Electorate:
  For the first time, the Congress accepted the Muslim League’s demand for separate electorates.

• Muslim Representation:
  Muslims were given one-third representation in the Imperial Legislative Council.

• Weightage Formula:
  Muslims would have less representation in provinces where they were a majority, but more in provinces where they were a minority.

• Elected Members:
  In the provincial legislative councils, four-fifths of members would be elected and one-fifth nominated.

• Term of Office:
  Elected members would serve for five years.

• Council Strength:

  • In major provinces: 125 members

  • In minor provinces: 50 to 75 members

• Muslim Seats in Provinces:

  • Punjab: 50%

  • Bengal: 40%

  • U.P: 30%

  • Bihar: 25%

  • C.P: 15%

  • Madras: 15%

  • Bombay: 33%

• Community Approval for Laws:
  No bill affecting a specific community would be passed without the approval of that community’s representatives.

• Provincial Autonomy:
  Provinces would be given maximum powers, including the ability to impose taxes, raise loans, and vote on the budget.

• Executive Council:
  The Governor would head the provincial executive council. Half of its members would be Indians elected by the legislative council.

• Adjournment Motion:
  Members would have the right to submit adjournment motions.

• Minority Protection:
  Special seats were reserved for Muslims in Hindu-majority areas and for Hindus in Muslim-majority areas.

• Imperial Legislative Council:

  • It would consist of 150 members

  • Four-fifths elected for a five-year term

  • Muslims to get 1/3 of the elected seats, chosen through separate electorates

• Governor General & Executive Council:
  The central government would be led by the Governor General, assisted by an executive council. Half of the council members would be Indians elected by the legislature.

• Judicial Reforms:
  Judiciary would be kept independent of the administration and each province would have its own High Court.

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4. Results of the Lucknow Pact

• Acceptance of Separate Electorates:
  The biggest success for Muslims was the recognition of separate electorates by both the British and the Congress.

• Security of Muslim Rights:
  Muslims were given more representation in minority provinces and the center, which helped protect their political rights and reduce fears of Hindu domination.

• Recognition of the Muslim League:
  By signing the pact with the Muslim League, the Congress acknowledged it as the true representative of Indian Muslims.

• Rise of Quaid-e-Azam:
  Quaid-e-Azam gained huge respect for his efforts to bring both communities together. Sarojini Naidu called him the “Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity.”

• Hindu-Muslim Unity:
  The pact was a strong attempt at creating unity between the two major communities and took a step forward toward the goal of self-rule.

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5. Conclusion

The Lucknow Pact was a major achievement at the time, and it brought the Congress and Muslim League together. However, the unity was short-lived. Despite the agreement, the long-term differences between Hindus and Muslims—such as religion, culture, and lifestyle—made it difficult to maintain lasting cooperation. Eventually, it became clear that the two communities were separate nations, and this realization played a key role in the creation of Pakistan.